September 25 - CBA Today eNewsletter - Community Bankers Association of Georgia

CBA extends our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Henry J. Pope, Jr., President and CEO of Exchange Bank, Milledgeville, and Exchange Bankshares, Inc., who recently passed away. Henry served over 46 years at Exchange Bank, and has served on CBA's Board of Directors. Henry has a long history of dedicated service to the local community. Recently, he was inducted into the Georgia College School of Business Hall of Fame and chaired the First United Methodist Church Finance Committee.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, September 26, 2019, at the Milledgeville First United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 27, 2019. Read more.

CBA and IBSC Expand Professional Development for SC Community Banks
The Community Bankers Association of Georgia and the Independent Banks of South Carolina are pleased to announce a partnership to expand community bank Professional Development programming in South Carolina. CBA’s regional professional development division, the Southeastern Community Bankers Association, will offer its full professional development curriculum to all community bank members of the IBSC effective October 1, 2019. Members of IBSC will be able to avail their organizations to all of SECBA’s programming at member rates.

“It is an honor for CBA to partner with IBSC to offer community bank specific education to the great community bankers of the Palmetto state,” said John McNair, President & CEO of Community Bankers Association of Georgia (CBA). “Teresa is one of the best association executives in the country and IBSC members are of some of the finest, most dedicated community bankers anywhere."

“The IBSC is excited to have this opportunity to work with CBA of Georgia. John and his team have one of the most robust education programs in our industry, explained Teresa Taylor, Executive Director, Independent Banks of South Carolina. “Every seminar is planned by community bankers for community bankers, so our members leave with knowledge they can use immediately!" Read the full press release.

Georgia’s community bankers do great things in their communities every day. Here is the latest on community outreach and news from CBA Members:

Tandem Bank, the first new bank in Georgia in 11 years, recently opened its flagship location on September 23rd in downtown Tucker. The full-service community bank will serve entrepreneurs, small- to mid-sized businesses, professionals and residents in and around the Tucker area. Pictured at the bank's opening is CBA President & CEO John McNair and bank President and CEO Charles DeWitt. Read more.
The Morris Bank Community Foundation recently purchased 3,000 books for the Ferst Readers program in Laurens County. In addition, the Foundation also purchased a lofted barn cabin for Gray Elementary School to use in their sensory learning garden.
The Coastal Region branches of Queensborough National Bank & Trust Co. recently collected disaster relief supplies for the Grand Bahama Island and delivered them to the Georgia Port Authority. In addition, Brian Dart, Vice President of Commercial Lending, recently discussed in an interview with Savannah CEO what the bank saw in the Pooler area to push them to start the process of building a new branch. Watch the interview.
United Community Bank, Canton, recently presented MUST Ministries with a $500 donation. The donation was made by the bank’s Canton-Bridgemill team who also donated 100 educational books to children in the community through MUST Ministries’ Summer Lunch Program. Read more.
First Chatham Bank, Savannah, recently wrapped up its 2019 School Supply Drive, providing needed supplies to over 8 local schools and organizations.
Statesboro Bank, a Division of Glennville Bank, recently placed gold ribbons outside the bank in support of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Greater Community Bank, Rome, was recently voted #1 in the 2019 Best of Rome Readers' Choice Awards. The bank was voted as Best Bank, Best Mortgage Lender (Terri Ainsworth), Best Banker (Rhonda Wallace), 3rd Best Banker (Paula Jasper), and Runner-Up Best Mortgage Services.
South Georgia Banking Company, Omega, recently participated in the annual Omega Pepper Festival.
In a recent interview with Athens CEO, John Gaultney, from BankSouth, Greensboro, discussed why your business should keep a culture of honor and empowerment. Watch the interview.
Ameris Bank, Atlanta, recently announced its new logo and brand messaging featuring a new iteration of the widely recognized Fidelity Bank lion. The bank will begin updating branch signage and collateral, ATM design, debit card design and the bank’s online and mobile presence.

CBA PAC/PR Fund Update
We are pleased to announce a recent contribution to the CBA Political Affairs Committee and Public Relations (PAC/PR) Fund.

Special thanks to our recent contributor:

Exchange Bank, Milledgeville

In order to achieve our goals, we will need the help of your institution, Board members, officers, and employees. Your contributions are greatly appreciated and will go towards the only Georgia State PAC exclusively committed to representing the interests in community banks. Click here for contribution forms. For more information, contact Lori Godfrey.

Mitch Sanford has been named President of First Bank, Dalton.

J. David Dyer, III has been promoted as the Milledgeville Market President of Magnolia State Bank, a division of Bank of Eastman.

Richard Mell Merritt has been promoted as the Gray Market President of Magnolia State Bank, a division of Bank of Eastman.

Mike Rice from South Georgia Banking Company, Ashburn, has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Ashburn City President.

Joy Carter from South Georgia Banking Company, Ashburn, has been promoted to Senior Vice President.

Rachel Montfort from South Georgia Banking Company, Ashburn, has been promoted to Vice President and Ashburn Branch Manager.

Joe Godfrey has joined Oconee State Bank, Lawrenceville, as a member of the Gwinnett Commercial Team.

Community Bankers Earn CBA’s 2019 Leadership Academy Certificate
On September 18th, community bank leaders received their certificate for completing CBA’s four-part series, Community Bank Leadership Academy. Taught and facilitated by David Branch, Darla Harms and Dianne Barton, the series focuses on understanding personality profiles, mindset alignment, leadership traits and learning how to successfully use this personal and professional development in the bank.

The 2019 graduates are: Chris Acker, American Commerce Bank, Bremen; Chip Davis, Family Bank, Pelham; Matt Fordham, The Citizens Bank of Cochran; Kristy Harrell, First Port City Bank, Bainbridge; Angie Hendrix, The Claxton Bank; Jessica Hudson, First National Bank of Coffee County, Douglas; William Hurt, Planters First Bank, Cordele; Shanna Jackson, The Claxton Bank; Stephanie Jordan, SunMark Community Bank, Hawkinsville; Alan Patterson, Vinings Bank, Smyrna; Nikki Sorrells, Newton Federal Bank, Covington; Mani Swarnam, Georgia Primary Bank, Atlanta; Natalie Woodall, UnitedBank, Griffin.

CBA thanks the presenters, the students and the sponsors for an extremely successful year! Information on the 2020 Leadership Academy will be shared soon.

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Scenes from the 2019 Class

Think CBA First for Your Professional Development Needs!
Be sure to think of CBA first when it comes to your training and Professional Development needs. Here are some upcoming CBA events:

Here are some of the latest national news stories relevant to community banking and the financial services industry:

SEPTEMBER 25, 2019